Homeless people will be housed on an under-used council car park - despite concerns about anti-social behaviour and the likelihood of flooding.

The scheme will see new short-term accommodation built on the plot on Henwood Industrial Estate in Ashford, giving people a temporary roof over their heads while they seek permanent homes.

Made up of 23 individual properties, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, the development is a modular design. It will be manufactured off-site before being erected on the car park.

The site has been inundated by flood water in the past and the new homes will be built on stilts and designed to be evacuated in event of future flooding.

Rising waters would be allowed to flow into the ground floor offices, stairs and storage rooms, leaving the accommodation above unaffected.

Concerns about the flooding of the site, which is alongside the River Stour and adjacent to the town's fire station, were discussed by Ashford Borough Council's planning committee last month.

Green Party councillor Steve Campkin said: "I don't think we should be housing these people on flood plains where we know it is going to flood.

"We can't do this, we need to look at - sorry, I am getting emotional about this, I have known people who have lived like this, some through choice, some not through choice - and no, we are not just going to dump them on a flood plain.

"We can't just put homeless people in a flood plain. We wouldn't do it to anyone else, would we? I'll be voting against this."

The design of the properties also raised concerns about potential antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Brendan Chilton said: "The principle of this I absolutely support, it is vitally important we get units like this for homeless people who, unfortunately for whatever reason, have found themselves in those circumstances.

"However, let's just remember we are building this on an industrial estate. Yes, it is a disused car park. But we are putting homeless people on an industrial estate.

"The design of this building is almost enticing antisocial behaviour and crime. When I looked at this application and I saw the layout of those apartment blocks it reminded me of the layout of the Stanhope flats - they are very insular.

"For example, the play area being on the other side, the layout creates an insular community.

"It is very dark and shaded in that area at night. The car park as well, I think, doesn't give rise to an open and welcoming environment.

"I'd like to see this scheme go ahead but I think it needs a fundamental re-examination.

"Anyone who has got flats in their ward knows that when you have communal walkways laid out like that it is a breeding ground for communal disputes, drug exchanges and antisocial behaviour as well."

However, responding to Cllr Chilton's comments, Cllr Neil Shorter told the committee he was happy that the presence of staff on-site would provide a check on any possible illegal or disruptive behaviour.

The committee voted 10 to four in favour of approving the plans.